2-day Waterbird Motivation Camp kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express
Bishnupur, January 10 2025:
A two-day Waterbird Motivation Camp was kicked off today at LDA's Conference Hall, Lake Front, Sendra organized by the Loktak Development Authority and Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN) in collaboration with Environmental Social Reformation and Sangai Protection Forum (ESRSPF), Directorate ofEnvironment and Climate Change, Government of Manipur and the Department of Forest.
The camp aims to train enumerators for the upcoming waterbird census, promote conservation awareness, and foster discussions on the preservation of waterbirds, particularly the migratory species of Loktak Lake.
The two-day Waterbird Motivation Camp was inaugurated today by M Asnikumar Singh, chairman of the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) .
The event was also attended by Dr Kh Shamungou, chairman, Technical Committee, State Wetlands Authority, Manipur, Dr T Brajakumar Singh, director of Environment & Climate Change, Ng Sanajaoba Meetei, project director, LDA, RK Birjit Singh, IBCN State Coordinator and Principal, Mangolnganbi Collge, K Jugeshwar Singh, renowned Waterbird Conservationist and N Pabitra Singh, MFS, Asst Conservator of Forest, Wildlife Wing, Government of Manipur.
Around 150 volunteers and enumerators, including experts from across the State, participated in the camp.
They engaged in technical sessions covering topics such as - an overview of waterbirds in Loktak and its associated wetlands, waterbird identification, bird census techniques, discussion on AWC forms, site allocation, and field demonstrations using cameras and binoculars.
Participants of the camp will conduct a simultaneous census across designated spots on January 18, 2025.Speaking on the occasion, M Asnikumar, chairman, LDA emphasized the alarming decline in avian species in Loktak Lake.
He also highlighted the longstanding commitment of Chief Minister N Biren Singh to the restoration and conservation of Loktak Lake.
The chairman further announced plans to expand the waterbird census to include other wetlands in Manipur, involving broader collaboration with the stakeholders and communities and also appeals to the people of Manipur to join hands in restoring and conserving the Loktak Lake terming it as the lifeline of the State and cradle of Manipuri civilization.